Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory when hosting Los Angeles Lakers

Second key – Giannis Antetokounmpo critical in slowing down Anthony Davis

Not only will the Bucks have their hands full with James leading their scouting report. His running mate, Anthony Davis, poses different problems that the Bucks will to solve Thursday night.

The perennial All-Star forward and recent NBA champion was certainly a thorn in the Bucks’ side in their season series last season. Davis averaged 33.5 points while shooting 21-for-49 from the field (42.9 percent) and went 0-for-10 from three and chipped in 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 blocks in both contests.

Clearly, the Bucks were very happy in letting Davis launch whatever looks came his way, especially the further away he was from the basket. Of course, Davis still feasted anyway while supplying his Defensive Player of the Year-caliber services.

In his 13 outings this season, Davis is averaging 21.3 points on .532/.361/.750 shooting, 9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.2 steals across 32.3 minutes per contest.

For all of those reasons, it’ll be crucial for Antetokounmpo to see as much time in trying to make Davis uncomfortable in any fashion he can on offense. With Davis proving to be such a malleable scorer and shooting the ball better than he ever has from 3-point range, even on a modest volume, the Bucks know first hand the cumulative effect of what happens when Davis performs at or above his elite production.

Putting the two-time MVP in Antetokounmpo on Davis for extended lengths may just be the way for the Bucks to bother Davis and slow him down.